Homelessness in Germany Surpasses One Million Amid Housing Shortage

The number of individuals without permanent housing in Germany has continued to rise, as recent data reveals that over one million people experienced homelessness in 2024. This increase is attributed primarily to ongoing migration trends and a strained housing market, according to the Federal Association for Assistance to the Homeless (BAG W).

Within this population, approximately 56,000 people were found living without any shelter, highlighting the most severe form of homelessness. The total figure represents an 11 percent increase in homelessness compared to the previous year. Although a significant jump was recorded in 2023--partially due to improved data collection in North Rhine-Westphalia--the trend remains upward due to persistent structural challenges.

Demographic analysis shows that the homeless population in 2024 was predominantly male (61 percent), but with a substantial proportion of women (39 percent) and minors, the latter accounting for 26 percent of all homeless individuals. Notably, families, young people, and older adults have increasingly faced housing insecurity, a concern echoed by national housing organizations.

Foreign nationals made up 80 percent of the homeless population, with a marked rise in homelessness among individuals from non-European Union countries. This group faces particularly acute difficulties in accessing both the housing and labor markets, exacerbating their vulnerability.

Experts attribute the ongoing rise in homelessness to several interconnected factors. The reduction in affordable social housing stock, as existing contracts expire and new construction fails to keep pace with demand, has left low-income households increasingly exposed to rising rent costs. When social housing units lose their protected status, tenants often confront higher rents and a heightened risk of eviction. Additional contributors to homelessness include debt related to rent and utilities, personal or family disputes, separations, and relocation challenges.

Policy changes under discussion are also raising concerns among social welfare organizations. Proposed reforms to Germany's basic social security system--set to replace the current citizen's income--would introduce stricter sanctions, including possible withdrawal of benefits and housing allowances if recipients miss appointments at job centers. Welfare groups warn that these measures could further increase homelessness rates.

Regional data underscores the scope of the problem. In Saxony alone, welfare associations reported nearly 6,900 homeless individuals at the beginning of the year. They also estimate that around 15 percent of the population may be experiencing hidden homelessness, such as living temporarily with friends or relatives without secure tenancy. Nationwide figures are likely understated, as current reporting methods only capture those who seek institutional assistance or visit specialized counseling services.

Social support organizations are urging policymakers to treat the latest statistics as a call to action. Recommended measures include expanding the supply of affordable housing, introducing mechanisms to stabilize rental prices, and establishing mandatory quotas to ensure that at-risk households gain access to secure accommodation.

Although the federal government has enacted policies to accelerate housing construction and extend rent controls, critics argue these efforts have not sufficiently increased the availability of affordable units. Loopholes such as index-linked rents and surcharges for furnished apartments continue to undermine rent control effectiveness.

The issue of homelessness in Germany has reached unprecedented levels, prompting calls from advocacy groups and experts for comprehensive reforms to address both the immediate and underlying causes of housing insecurity. Sustained efforts to expand affordable housing and strengthen social support frameworks are seen as essential to reversing the current trend and preventing further increases in homelessness.